NOS News•today, 12:02•Amended today, 12:18
The police say they have had a turbulent New Year, with several “serious incidents”. Police officers and other emergency workers were attacked in several places in the country. An unknown number of officers were injured. Officers in Amsterdam fired warning shots when they were attacked.
There were incidents across the country, including arson, vandalism, violence and fireworks accidents. At least 200 people have been arrested in total, but exact figures are not yet available.
ME in action
The mobile unit came into action in Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam, among others. Tear gas was used in Culemborg to keep rioters at a distance and thus prevent them from pelting police officers with fireworks.
There were also stabbing and shooting incidents in various places. The atmosphere on and around Dam Square in Amsterdam was grim. The police received several reports of people who had been robbed.
“What should have been a festive evening has again degenerated into a night full of destruction and violence in a number of places,” Chief of Police Janny Knol said in a statement. “Police officers and other first responders who were committed to a safe New Year’s Eve celebration were the target of rioters. It is unpalatable that New Year’s Eve in our country is accompanied by so many, sometimes very serious, incidents.”
National outage
The police communications network suffered from a disruption during New Year’s Eve. According to the police union NPB, this was a national outage that lasted several hours and also affected other emergency services such as the ambulance and the fire brigade.
Police management said in a response that the disruption did not lead to major incidents. The fault was resolved by the end of the night. The police are investigating the cause of the malfunction.
Officers have been complaining for some time about the C2000 system, which they use to maintain contact with the control room, among other things. The backup system still worked last night, but to use it, officers must remove their hearing protection.
‘Violence unacceptable and deeply sad’
Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security calls it unacceptable and deeply sad that aid workers were the target of violence. “This behavior should never become normal and we will continue to do everything we can to tackle those who are guilty of this,” Van Weel wrote on social media. He thanks all the emergency services who have deployed, despite the risks. “They deserve our protection.”
